Since January 2020, Elsevier has created a free COVID-19 resource centre with information in English and Mandarin. The centre is hosted on Elsevier Connect, providing access to research on the virus. Elsevier grants permission for free access to this research in PubMed Central and other repositories for unrestricted use. The review discusses the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) family, which includes transmembrane and secreted proteins involved in cell adhesion, migration, proteolysis, and signaling. While all ADAMs have metalloproteinase domains, only 13 of the 21 human genes encode functional proteases. ADAM-17 (TACE) is a key protease involved in activating pro-TNF-α and is essential for epithelial tissue development. Other ADAMs, like ADAM-10, play roles in Notch signaling and cell fate determination. ADAMs are also involved in spermatogenesis, CNS function, and various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's. The review outlines the structure and regulation of ADAMs, including their modular domains, activation mechanisms, and interactions with other proteins. ADAMs are involved in ectodomain shedding, regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP), and various biological processes. They are also linked to pathological states when their functions are dysregulated. The review highlights the evolutionary origins of ADAM genes, their expression in different tissues, and the roles of specific ADAMs in development and disease. Gene knockout studies in mice have shown the importance of ADAMs in various biological processes, including neural development, muscle formation, and immune responses. The review concludes that ADAMs are fundamental to many control processes in development and homeostasis and are linked to various diseases. Understanding their complex roles is essential for developing targeted therapies.Since January 2020, Elsevier has created a free COVID-19 resource centre with information in English and Mandarin. The centre is hosted on Elsevier Connect, providing access to research on the virus. Elsevier grants permission for free access to this research in PubMed Central and other repositories for unrestricted use. The review discusses the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) family, which includes transmembrane and secreted proteins involved in cell adhesion, migration, proteolysis, and signaling. While all ADAMs have metalloproteinase domains, only 13 of the 21 human genes encode functional proteases. ADAM-17 (TACE) is a key protease involved in activating pro-TNF-α and is essential for epithelial tissue development. Other ADAMs, like ADAM-10, play roles in Notch signaling and cell fate determination. ADAMs are also involved in spermatogenesis, CNS function, and various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's. The review outlines the structure and regulation of ADAMs, including their modular domains, activation mechanisms, and interactions with other proteins. ADAMs are involved in ectodomain shedding, regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP), and various biological processes. They are also linked to pathological states when their functions are dysregulated. The review highlights the evolutionary origins of ADAM genes, their expression in different tissues, and the roles of specific ADAMs in development and disease. Gene knockout studies in mice have shown the importance of ADAMs in various biological processes, including neural development, muscle formation, and immune responses. The review concludes that ADAMs are fundamental to many control processes in development and homeostasis and are linked to various diseases. Understanding their complex roles is essential for developing targeted therapies.